A GROUP of school children took to the green carpet to try their hand at bowls, as part of an initiative to encourage more young people to take up the sport.

Year seven pupils from Longfield Academy of Sport were invited to Darlington Indoor Bowls Club, on North Road, for a free taster session.

The club, which received a £40,000 Olympic legacy grant last year to replace its playing surface, has a junior club for children aged six and above, which it is looking to expand.

The taster event was organised by instructor Tony Henderson and Cameron Abbott, a member of the junior club and a Longfield student, who asked year seven leader Jo Nevison if pupils could take part.

Mr Henderson said: “We were pleased with the response from Mrs Nevison and some of the pupils to our ‘try it for free’ taster session.

“Bowls is often seen as an old man’s game and we are keen to introduce it to a new generation.”

Mrs Nevison added: “Longfield Academy of Sport is delighted to lead the way by introducing a sport to our extensive range of activities.

“The year seven boys are the first to experience this taster session and we are already planning more visits and a tournament.”

Any school interested in taking part in a bowls taster session is asked to contact Darlington Indoor Bowls Club on 01325-485414.

An open day for adults and children interested in taking up the sport will be held at the bowls club on Saturday, February 22, between noon and 4pm.